Windrow merger

ABSTRACT

A windrow merger including three pickup and transfer units, a folding system, and a plurality of float mechanisms. The folding system employs simultaneous rearward, outward, and upward folding motion so as to ensure none of the units interfere with the other units while folding, and likewise while unfolding. The folding system can further fold and unfold each of the three pickup and transfer units at the same time. During merging operations, the plurality of float mechanisms of the windrow merger limits the range of motion of each pickup and transfer unit. The float mechanisms further transfer a portion of the weight of each pickup and transfer unit from the ground to the frame of the merger. The units of the windrow merger can also include a rub rail having a surface that reduces swirling or clumping of material as the material is conveyed toward an end of the windrow merger.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.12/321,374, filed Jan. 19, 2009; which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/189,071 filed Aug. 15, 2008, andU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/189,072 filed Aug. 15, 2008;which applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a windrow merger arrangement andassociated systems and methods. In particular, the present inventionrelates to a windrow merger arrangement having more than two pickup andconveyor assemblies, systems for operating and using the windrow mergerarrangement, and associated methods.

BACKGROUND

Windrow mergers are used to gather and merge material, such as cut hay,into a single windrow for harvesting or baling. Conventional windrowmergers typically include a single pickup head that generally functionsin a satisfactory manner when used on a relatively small scale. However,for large scale operations requiring greater merging rates, the capacityand effectiveness of single-head mergers is limited.

To achieve greater merging rates, mergers having more than one pickuphead assembly have been developed. Some such mergers include foldingassemblies that allow one or more of the pickup head assemblies to foldfor transport. Folding the assemblies of a merger presents unique designchallenges including the relative positioning of the folding assemblies,the relative movement of the folding assemblies, and the overallprovision of structural support for the folding assemblies.

Additionally, in windrow merging operations it is preferable to producea smooth, even windrow so that the harvesting device (forage harvesteror baler) that follows can operate at maximum efficiency. Someconventional mergers have merger heads with projecting structure in theregion where the gathered material is conveyed. The projecting structurecan cause the gathered material to swirl and clump as it passes by thestructure during conveyance toward the end of the merger.

In general, conventional arrangements of window mergers can be improved.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a merger arrangement having threepickup and transfer units. In one aspect, the merger includes a foldingsystem that employs simultaneous rearward, outward and upward foldingmovement so as to ensure none of the units interfere with the otherunits while folding, and likewise while unfolding. In another aspect,the folding system is capable of folding and unfolding each of the threeunits at the same time. In still another aspect, the merger includes aplurality of float mechanisms that limits the range of motion of eachunit. In yet another aspect, the float mechanisms transfer a portion ofthe weight of each unit from the ground to the frame of the merger. Instill another aspect, the pickup and transfer unit of the mergerincludes a rub rail that aids in creating a smooth, uniform windrow.

A variety of examples of desirable product features or methods are setforth in part in the description that follows, and in part will beapparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing variousaspects of the disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure may relate toindividual features as well as combinations of features. It is to beunderstood that both the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description are explanatory only, and are not restrictive ofthe claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle towing an embodiment ofa merger, in accordance with the principles disclosed;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the merger of FIG. 1, shown inisolation;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the merger of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the merger of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the merger of FIG. 4, illustrated inan intermediate folding position;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the merger of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the merger of FIG. 4, illustrated inanother intermediate folding position;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the merger of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the merger of FIG. 2, illustrated in acompletely folded position;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the merger of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the merger of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the merger of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle towing the merger ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the merger of FIG.13, illustrating a portion of a folding system and a portion of afloating system of the present merger;

FIG. 15 is a schematic rear elevation view of a pivot pin of the foldingsystem of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a schematic top plan view of the pivot pin of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a float mechanism of the floating systemof FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of a portion of the merger of FIG. 3,illustrating the floating system of the merger in a neutral position;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the portion of the merger of FIG. 18illustrating one float mechanism of the floating system in a loweredposition;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the portion of the merger of FIG. 18illustrating one float mechanism of the floating system in a raisedposition;

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of a portion of the merger of FIG. 3,illustrating a rub rail;

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the merger of FIG.21;

FIG. 23 is an exploded top perspective view of the portion of the mergerof FIG. 22, illustrating one embodiment of comb segments, in accordancewith the principles disclosed;

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of a comb segment of FIG. 23, shownin isolation;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the comb segment of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a combsegment, in accordance with the principles disclosed;

FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of the comb segment of FIG. 26; and

FIG. 28 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the merger of FIG. 21incorporating instead the comb segment embodiment of FIG. 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the presentdisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a merger 10 in accordance with the principlesdisclosed. The merger 10 is typically towed behind a towing device 12,such as a tractor; however, the principles of the present merger mayused in a configuration that is self-propelled as well. The merger 10generally includes three independent pickup and transfer units,including a first outer unit 14, a second outer unit 18, and a centerunit 16 located between the first and second outer units 14, 18. Theunits 14, 16, 18 are supported on a frame 20 (see also FIG. 2). Eachunit generally includes a merger head 22 and a conveyor 24. The mergerhead 22 and conveyor 24 of each unit operates independently of the otherunits.

In general, the merger head 22 of each unit 14, 16, 18 includes amultiplicity of tines 28 spaced along the length of the head, and spacedradially around the circumference of the head. Each unit includes aseparate head motor (not shown) that drives the merger head. The motorsare recessed within the ends of the merger heads 22 so that the headscan be run in as close proximity of each other as possible and so themotors do not accumulate material.

The conveyor 24 of each pickup and transfer unit 14, 16, 18 generallyincludes a belt mounted about rollers and/or pulleys (not shown). Inaddition to the separate head motors, each unit also includes a separateconveyor motor(s) (not shown) that drives the belt. The conveyor motorsare reversible so the conveyors 24 may be operated to direct material tothe left side of the merger 10 or the right side of the merger.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, each unit 14, 16, 18 includes ashroud 26 located generally behind the conveyor 24. The shroud 26extends upward and forward in an arcing configuration over the conveyors24. The arching shrouds 26 direct material thrown rearward by the mergerheads 22 down onto the conveyors 24.

Further details of example units having merger heads and conveyors thatcan be used in the present merger are described in U.S. Patent7,310,929; which patent is incorporated herein by reference.

The present merger 10 further includes a folding system 30 that foldsand unfolds each pickup and transfer unit 14, 16, 18. The folding system30 can be used to position one or more of the pickup and transfer units14, 16, 18 in a folded position, an unfolded position, or a partiallyfolded position during merging operations.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, during merging operations, each of theunits 14, 16, 18 can be unfolded such that the units define acontinuous, uninterrupted front merging face. What is meant bycontinuous and uninterrupted is that the units are arranged side-by-side(FIG. 2) to pick up substantially all the material lying on the terrainbetween the outer ends of the outermost units (e.g., 14, 18), and arefurther arranged in alignment (FIG. 3) to transfer crop or material fromthe conveyor 24 of one unit to another. In one embodiment, the frontmerging face has a width W (FIG. 4) of about 30 feet when all threeunits are being utilized for merging operations; in other embodiments,the width of the front merging face is between about 30 feet and about36 feet.

The present folding system 30 provides a user operational flexibilitywith respect to the positioning of each unit so that multipleconfigurations for different merging needs and operations are possible.For example, the folding system 30 may be used to position all threepickup and transfer units 14, 16, 18 of the merger 10 in the unfolded,merging position shown in FIG. 1. In another example, the folding system30 may be used to position only the leftward outer unit 14 (or only therightward outer unit 18) and the center unit 16 in an unfolded, mergingposition. Because the pickup and transfer units 14, 16, 18 areindependently operable, the merger 10 is able to operate with only twoof the units in an unfolded position. Such a two-unit mergingconfiguration may be needed to accommodate irregularities in theterrain, to access smaller fields or irregular shaped fields, or forimproved merging at edges of fields.

Likewise, the folding system 30 of the present merger 10 may be used toposition only the center unit 16 in an unfolded merging position. Such aone-unit merging configuration may be needed to access or operate ineven smaller areas. And further in other applications, the foldingsystem 30 may be used to position only the leftward and rightward outerunits in unfolded merging positions, for example, when the operatorneeds to pass over and/or straddle difficult terrain.

As previously described, the present merger 10 additionally hasoperational flexibility with respect to the direction of conveyingmaterial. Because the conveyors 24 of each unit 14, 16, 18 arereversible or operable in both directions, material may be selectivelytransferred either to the left or to the right. Selective control overthe conveyor 24 travel direction, as well as the selective operation andfolding of each head 22, provides multiple merging configurations thatcan be utilized and that are adaptable to address a variety of mergingneeds.

Also, because the units 14, 16, 18, including the merger heads 22 andconveyers 24, are independently operable, the merger 10 may be operatedcontinuously, even while one or more pickup and transfer units 14, 16,18 are being folded or unfolded. For example, operation of the leftwardouter unit 14 and the center unit 16 can be maintained during foldingmovement of the rightward outer unit 18. This increases mergingefficiencies by eliminating the need for the operator to stop operationof the units prior to folding one or more units. The operator caninstead continue merging with the one for more unfolded units whilefolding the other unit(s).

In addition, the folding system 30 can be operated to fold one or moreof the units while the folding unit(s) is operating. This similarlyincreases merging efficiencies by eliminating the need for the operatorto stop operation of the units prior to folding the one or more units.The operator can instead continue merging with the one or more unfoldedunits while folding the other unit(s), and then further unfold thefolded unit(s) and resume merging with all units without having torestart operation of any unit. In short, the operation of each unit, aswell as the folding and unfolding of each unit can all be accomplishedduring and independently of the operation and folding movement of theother units.

In addition to use during merging operations, the folding system 30 canalso be used to fold and unfold the merger 10 between an operatingconfiguration (at which one or more pickup and transfer units areunfolded) and a transport or stowed configuration (at which all pickupand transfer units are folded (FIG. 10)). In the folded transportconfiguration, the merger 10 is sized for transport on public roads. Thefolding system 30 is described below with respect to folding fortransport; however the description below applies to folding duringmerging operations as well.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the rightward outer pickup and transferunit 18 is illustrated in an initial stage of folding. For purposes ofexplanation only, the folding movement of the rightward unit 18 isdescribed with respect to the relative position of a center point of themerger head 22 of the unit 18 (e.g., center point position C18 relativeto an unfolded position as illustrated by center point positions C14,C16 of units 14, 16). Also, while only the folding of the rightwardouter unit 18 is described and illustrated, it is to be understood thatthe leftward outer unit 14 folds in a similar manner.

At the initiation of folding movement, the outer unit moves or foldssimultaneously upward, outward and rearward. That is, the outer unit 18moves or pivots upward relative to the unfolded, merging position, andat the same time moves or pivots outward and rearward relative to theunfolded, merging position. In FIG. 5, the second outer unit 18 (withreference to the center point position C18) is located a verticaldistance D1 upward from the unfolded merging position (e.g., in relationto the center point positions C14, C16 of unfolded units 14, 16); at thesame time, and referring to FIG. 6, the unit 18 is a distance D2rearward of the unfolded merging position; also at the same time, theunit 18 is a distance D3 further outward of the unfolded mergingposition (see comparison of DO between units 14, 16, and D3 betweenunits 16, 18; FIG. 6). FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the unit 18 in a moreintermediate stage of folding where the vertical distance D1 is furtherfrom the unfolded merging position, the distance D2 is further rearwardfrom the unfolded merging position, and the distance D3 is furtheroutward from the unfolded merging position.

As can be understood, with the upward, outward and rearward movementoccurring simultaneously, the folding motion of the outer heads isgenerally arcuate. The arcuate folding is continued until the unitsreach the folded position shown in FIGS. 9-12. Referring to FIG. 12, inthe folded position, the outer units 14, 18 are substantially horizontalto provide an overall merger height that is reasonable for transport.What is meant by “substantially horizontal” is that the outer units 14,18 are positioned at a transport angle TA that is less than 45 degreesrelative to horizontal. In one embodiment, the transport angle TA isless than about 25 degrees relative to horizontal.

As previously discussed, the leftward outer unit 14 folds in the samemanner as the rightward outer unit 18. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 12, thecenter unit 16 also folds by moving forward and tilting upward. That is,the folding system 30 moves the center unit 16 toward the front of theframe 20, as represented by arrow A in FIG. 12, while at the same timetilting a front end of the center unit 16 upward, as represented byarrow B. Each of the pickup and transfer units 14, 16, 18 can commencefolding simultaneously, or commence folding at different times. In oneembodiment, a control system that controls the folding movement includesthree switches that correspond to the three pickup and transfer unit 14,16, 18, and a single master switch. The user may fold or unfold only aselected one of the units by activating the corresponding one of thethree switches, or may commence simultaneously folding of all units byactivating only the single master switch.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, the folding system 30 of the presentmerger 10 includes a lift cylinder 32 coupled to a lift arm 34. The liftarm 34 is in turn coupled to the frame 20 (FIG. 14) by a pivot pin 36.The rightward outer unit 18 is interconnected to the lift arm 34 byfloat mechanism 40, which will be described in greater detailhereinafter. As can be understood, the folding system 30 includes asecond set of identical components (e.g., 32, 34, 36) at the other sideof the merger 10, which interconnect to the leftward outer unit 14.

Referring to FIG. 14, the lift cylinder 32 is fully extended when theouter unit 18 is in the unfolded position. In this unfolded position,the lift arm 34 is generally horizontal. As will be described in greaterdetail hereinafter, the lift arm 34 pivots about an axis X1 of the pivotpin 36. Because the lift cylinder 32 cannot move beyond the fullyextended position, the lift arm 34 does not move or rotate beyond theshown horizontal position. Instead, the outer unit 18 can only moveupward and rearward in an arcuate manner from the unfolded position, aspreviously described. Accordingly, in the unfolded position, the outerunits 14, 18 are as close to the center unit 16 as is possible duringany phase of folding or unfolding.

The folding system 30 is designed to ensure interference between theunits is avoided during folding or unfolding, whereby the outer units14, 16 are closest in proximity to the center unit 16 in the unfoldedposition than in any other intermediate folding or unfolding position.This is achieved in part by the orientation of the pivot pin 36 and inpart by the arrangement of the lift cylinder 32.

Referring again to FIG. 13, the pivot pin 36 of the folding system 30 isangled relative to horizontal and relative to vertical. In theillustrated embodiment and when viewed from the rear, the pivot pin 36is downwardly angled at an angle DA (FIG. 15) from a horizontal plane.The angle DA is generally between 30 and 50 degrees (in one embodiment,the angle DA is approximately 40 degrees). When viewed from the top, thepivot pin 36 is also rearwardly angled at an angle RA (FIG. 16) from alongitudinal vertical plane (“longitudinal” relative to the longitudinalalignment of the merger heads 22). The angle RA is generally between 30and 50 degrees (in one embodiment, the angle RA is approximately 40degrees).

The downward and rearward orientation of the angled pivot pin 36 ensuresinterference is avoided by immediately moving the outer unit 18 awayfrom the center unit 16 during folding operation (i.e., immediatelymoving the unit upward, outward and rearward from the center unit 16).In addition, when unfolding, the lowest extent of rotational travel ofthe lift arm 34 is limited to the horizontal position by the liftcylinder 32 (i.e., the fully extended position of the lift cylinder 32limits rotation of the lift arm 34 beyond the horizontal position).Accordingly, the lowest extend of rotational travel of the outer unit 18is at the unfolded position shown in FIG. 13. Collisions or interferencebetween units during folding and unfolding is thereby avoided.

In addition to preventing collisions or interference between unitsduring folding operation, the downward and rearward angled orientationof the pivot pins 36 also position the outer units in a convenienttransport configuration. In particular, when folding the outer units 14,18 for transport, the lift cylinders 32 retract and draw the lift arms34, along with the units upwardly and rearwardly. Referring to FIGS. 11and 12, the cylinders 32 continue to retract until the lengths of themerger heads 22 of the outer units are parallel with the lengthwise axisof the merger 10. When in the transport or folded position, the outerunits are more horizontal than vertical, as previously described. In thetransport position, the outer units 14, 18 are also centered behind thevehicle 12 for ease of towing, and are located within the outerboundaries of the center unit 16, which keeps the transport width of themerger reasonable.

Referring again to FIG. 12, the folding system 30 also includes a liftcylinder (not shown) for folding and unfolding the center unit 16. Thecenter unit lift cylinder is coupled to a lift arm 38, which in turn, iscoupled to the frame 20. The center unit lift cylinder of the foldingsystem 30 extends to move the lift arm 38, and in turn the center unit16 forward, while at the same time tilting the front end of the centerunit 16 upward, as represented by arrow B. In this folded position, thecenter unit 16 is lifted up from the ground for transport or forclearance of difficult terrain during merging operations.

Referring back to FIGS. 13 and 14, the present merger 10 furtherincludes three unique float mechanisms 40 that permits each pickup andtransfer units 14, 16, 18 to conform to rolling terrain. Each of thefloat mechanisms 40 associated with the outer units 14, 18 generallyincludes a linkage 42 (FIG. 14) connected to the lift arm 34 of themerger, a pivot pin or tube 44 connected to the corresponding pickup andtransfer unit, and an intermediate bracket connection 46 thatinterconnects the linkage 42 and the pivot tube 44. The float mechanism40 associated with the center unit 16 has the same linkage 42, pivottube 44, and intermediate bracket connection 46, only the linkage 42 isconnected directly to the frame 20.

The pivot tube 44 of each float mechanism 40 is the primary attachmentbetween the pickup and transfer units 14, 16, 18 and the frame 20. Thepivot tube 44 attaches to the unit (e.g., 18) at a generally centralattachment location between first and second ends of the merger head 22.Each of the first and second ends of the merger head 22 is a free end.What is meant by “free” end is that the ends are not constrained bystructural supports or attachments; instead, the unit is free to pivot(e.g., tilt or rock side to side) about an axis X2 (FIG. 17) defined bythe pivot tube 44. When the unit is in the unfolded merging position,the axis X2 of the pivot tube 44 is generally horizontal, and isgenerally parallel to a direction of travel of the merger 10.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the linkage 42 of each float mechanism 40includes a float arm 48, a float link 50, and a float cylinder 52. Thefloat arm 48 has a first end 54 that is pivotally attached to the liftarm 34 of the folding system 30 and a second end 56 that is pivotally orrotationally attached to the intermediate bracket connection 46. Thefirst and second ends 54, 56 of the float arm 48 pivot about axes X3, X4(FIG. 18) that are generally horizontal, and transverse to the directionof travel of the merger, when the associated unit is in the unfoldedmerging position. The float link 50 similarly has a first end 58attached to the lift arm 34 of the folding system 30 and a second end 60attached to the intermediate bracket connection 46. The float cylinder52 is mounted to the lift arm 34 and is coupled to the linkage 42.

In use, the float mechanism 40 defines a four-bar parallelogramconstruction that allows the pivot tube 44, and in turn the pickup andtransfer unit, to travel only in a vertical direction while preventingtravel in a lateral direction (i.e., a horizontal sideward direction).In particular, the linkage 42 and the float link 50 fix the lateralpositioning of the intermediate bracket connection 46, the pivot tube44, and the associated unit (e.g., 18). Yet, the pivotal connectionbetween the linkage 42 and the lift arm 34, and the pivotal connectionbetween the linkage 42 and the intermediate bracket connection 46, allowthe unit to move along a fixed vertical plane defined by a verticalcenterline CL3 (FIG. 13) to accommodate uneven terrain.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, the movement along the fixed verticalplane is illustrated. In FIG. 18, all of the units 14, 16, 18 are shownin a neutral position (only outer unit 18 can be seen from the side). InFIG. 19, the outer unit 18 is shown in a lower position as if followinga depression in the terrain. In particular, the unit 18 has been loweredalong the vertical plane, without transverse horizontal movement, bycounter-clockwise rotation of the first and second ends 54, 56 of thelinkage 42 about axes X3 and X4 (as shown by arrows C). In FIG. 20, theouter unit 18 is shown in an upper position as if following an inclinein the terrain. In this position, the unit 18 has been raised along thevertical plane, without transverse horizontal movement, by clockwiserotation of the first and second ends 54, 56 of the linkage 42 aboutaxes X3 and X4 (as shown by arrows D).

The float mechanisms 40 of the present merger 10 permit only theassociated one pickup and transfer unit experiencing a change in terrainto move along the vertical plane to accommodate that change. Aspreviously described, the pivot tube 44 of the float mechanisms 40further permits only that associated one pickup and transfer unit torock side to side to accommodate a change in terrain. The pickup andtransfer units 14, 16, 18 thereby each independently move as describedto conform to the rolling terrain during merger operations and to handlerough or changing terrain. Yet still, the lateral restraint imposed bythe float mechanisms 40 prevents collisions between adjacent units whenadjusting to uneven terrain.

Yet another feature of the present float mechanism 40 relates to theweight transfer of each individual pickup and transfer unit 14, 16, 18.Referring to back to FIG. 17, the float cylinder 52 of the floatmechanism 40 is vertically oriented and coupled between the pickup andtransfer unit and the frame (i.e. between the linkage 42 and the liftarm 34). When hydraulically pressurized, the float cylinder 52 applies avertical lifting force to the linkage 42 and accordingly transfers aportion of the weight of the associated unit (e.g., 14, 16, 18) from theground to the frame 20 of the merger 10. This allows the unit to ridemore lightly on the ground so that the unit is more responsive tochanges in contour.

In particular and referring to FIG. 18, each of the pickup and transferunits 14, 16, 18 includes a skid 51 mounted under the unit. When theunits 14, 16, 18 are in the unfolded merging position, the skids 51contact the ground G. The float mechanisms 40 provide the transfer ofweight from the units to the frame 20 so that ground pressure is reducedto an acceptable level. The units 14, 16, 18 can thereby lift and loweras needed to maintain contact with the ground without operatorinteraction. Additionally, a cam adjustment, such as an eccentric cam53, is provided to allow manual/hydraulic adjustment of the height H ofthe skid 51. Adjusting the height H of the skid 51 correspondinglyadjusts that height of the associated merger head 22 and tines 28relative to the ground G.

The present arrangement thereby provides for optimum pickup capabilityand minimal wear of the tines, for example. That is, the pickup andtransfer units 14, 16, 18 maximizing contact time with the material thatis to be picked up but yet accommodate sudden changes in contour andother irregularities of the terrain with greater ease. Theresponsiveness of the present arrangement decreases damage to the pickupand transfer units and accordingly decreases maintenance and down timeof the merger.

Yet another feature of the present merger 10 is a device that produces amore uniform windrow, as opposed to a windrow that has large clumps oran uneven volume distribution. In harvesting or processing unevenlydistributed windrows, the harvesting device (such as a baler or forageharvester) must slow or pause when large clumps are encountered, andfurther does not receive enough material input when lighter volumewindrow portions are encountered. As can be understood, a uniformwindrow aids in increasing the efficiencies of the harvesting device.

Referring to FIG. 21, the merger heads 22, the shrouds 26, and theconveyors 24 of each unit 14, 16, 18 (only unit 18 is illustrated)generally define a trough T into which material 90 (schematicallyrepresented) flows during merger operations. Each unit 14, 16, 18includes a rub rail 64 (see also FIG. 22) positioned adjacent to orwithin the trough T, and relative to the merger head 22. In theillustrated embodiment, the rub rail 64 mounts to a rearward wall 72(FIG. 22) of the merger head 22.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the merger head 22 generally defines slots66 through which the tines 28 pass during rotation/operation of themerger head 22. A comb or combs 68 are located adjacent to the slots 66.The merger 10 can includes a single comb that extends the length of eachmerger head 22 (i.e., from one end to the other end); or can be made upof segments of combs 68 that extend from one end of the merger head tothe other end, as illustrated in FIG. 23. In one embodiment, the combs68 are in segments having a length of approximately twelve inches. Othersegment lengths can be used in accordance with the principles disclosed.During operation, the combs 68 remove material from the tines 28 as thetines 28 pass through the slots 66. The rub rail 64 of the presentdisclosure is incorporated into the construction of the combs 68.

Referring now to FIGS. 24 and 25, one segment of a comb 68 isillustrated in isolation. The comb 68 includes a mounting bracket 80 anda plurality of comb components 74 (e.g., dividers, guides, teeth,material-removal constructions, etc.). The comb 68 is secured to therearward wall 72 (FIG. 22) by the mounting bracket 80. In oneembodiment, each comb component 74 includes a smaller tubularconstruction 76 that is joined, such as by welding, to a larger tubularconstruction 78. A shield or guide 82 depends downward from the smallertubular construction 76. The smaller tubular constructions 76 are spacedfrom one another to at least in part define the slots 66 through whichthe tines 28 pass.

The larger tubular construction 78 of the combs 68, at least in partdefines the rub rail 64 of each unit (e.g., 18). In the illustratedembodiment, the rub rail 64 has a curved or rounded construction thatfaces inward toward the trough T. The rounded construction is defined bya smooth surface 70 (FIG. 22). The rounded, smooth surface 70 aids intransitioning material from the merger head into the trough T.

As material 90 is conveyed through the trough T toward the end of themerger 10, the material encounters the smooth surface 70 of the rub rail64, as opposed to the material encountering projections and/or the slots66, for example. As a result, less swirling or clumping occurs, and amore uniform windrow is produced. The smooth surface 70 of the rub rail64 further reduces swirling, catching or clumping to aid in containingthe material within the trough T until conveyed to the end of themerger. What is meant by “smooth” is that the surface is generally freeof obstructing structure (e.g., projections, recesses, etc.) that wouldotherwise cause conveying material to catch and swirl. As can beunderstood, the present rub rail arrangement can be used on othermergers in accordance with the principles disclosed, including mergershaving a greater or lesser number of merger heads than the presentmerger 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 26 and 27, an alternative embodiment of a segmentof a comb 168 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the comb 168 is madeof molded plastic. Similar to the previous comb 68, the molded comb 168includes a mounting bracket or mounting surface 180 and a plurality ofcomb components 174 (e.g., dividers, guides, teeth, material-removalconstructions, etc.). Each of the mounting bracket/surface 180 and thecomb components 174 are integrally joined or molded with one another.Each comb component 174 of the comb 168 is integrally joined or moldedto a larger tubular construction 178. Referring to FIG. 28, the largertubular construction 178 of the comb segments 168, at least in partdefines a rub rail 164 that reduces swirling or clumping, as previouslydescribed.

While in each of the disclosed embodiments of FIGS. 22 and 28, the rubrail 64, 164 is incorporated into the construction of the comb 68, 168.It is contemplated, however, that a rub rail separate from the comb orcomb segments can also be used. For example, a rub rail having a smoothsurface that extends along the trough can be mounted relative to thecomb segments to cover any projections, recesses, etc. and reduceswirling or clumping, in accordance with the principles disclosed.

The above specification provides a complete description of the presentinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, certain aspects ofthe invention reside in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A windrow merger, comprising: a) a frame; b) a plurality of pickupand transfer units, each unit including a merger head and a conveyor;and c) a plurality of float mechanisms that couple each pickup andtransfer unit to the frame, each float mechanism including: i) an pivotmember attached to a corresponding merger head at a generally centralattachment location between first and second ends of the merger head,wherein the corresponding merger head rocks side to side about an axisdefined by the pivot member; and ii) a linkage that interconnects thepivot member to the frame, the linkage being arranged to permit themerger head, at the central attachment location, to move only along avertical plane.
 2. The windrow merger of claim 1, wherein the pivot axisdefined by the pivot member is generally horizontal during mergingoperations.
 3. The windrow merger of claim 2, wherein the pivot axis isgenerally parallel to a direction of travel of the windrow merger duringmerging operations.
 4. The windrow merger of claim 1, wherein the floatmechanism includes a bracket connection that interconnects the linkageto the pivot member.
 5. The windrow merger of claim 4, wherein thelinkage is pivotally interconnected to the frame at a first end and ispivotally attached to the bracket connection at a second end, each ofthe first and second ends of the linkage pivoting about axes that aregenerally horizontal during merging operations.
 6. The windrow merger ofclaim 5, wherein each of the first and second ends of the linkage pivotabout axes that are generally transverse to a direction of travel of thewindrow merger during merging operations.
 7. The windrow merger of claim1, wherein each of the first and second ends of the merger heads is afree end, the pickup and transfer units being coupled to the frame atonly the central attachment location.
 8. The windrow merger of claim 1,further including at least one adjustable skid mounted under each of thepickup and transfer units, each adjustable skid including an eccentriccam that regulates the height of the merger head relative to the ground.9. The windrow merger of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pickup andtransfer units define a merger trough in which material is conveyed,each merger head of each pickup and transfer unit including a rub railpositioned within the trough, the rub rail having a surface free ofobstructing structure that would otherwise cause conveying material tocatch or swirl.
 10. A windrow merger, comprising: a) a frame; b) aplurality of pickup and transfer units, each unit including a mergerhead and a conveyor; and c) a plurality of float mechanisms that coupleeach pickup and transfer unit to the frame, each float mechanismincluding a lift cylinder coupled between one pickup and transfer unitand the frame; d) wherein the lift cylinders each apply a verticallifting force to the associated one pickup and transfer unit duringmerging operations to transfer a portion of the weight of the unit fromthe ground to the frame.
 11. The windrow merger of claim 10, furtherincluding at least one adjustable skid mounted under each of the pickupand transfer units, each adjustable skid including an eccentric cam thatregulates the height of the merger head relative to the ground.
 12. Thewindrow merger of claim 10, wherein the plurality of pickup and transferunits define a merger trough in which material is conveyed, each mergerhead of each pickup and transfer unit including a rub rail positionedwithin the trough, the rub rail having a surface free of obstructingstructure that would otherwise cause conveying material to catch orswirl.